Tongue cleaning device

ABSTRACT

A tongue cleaning device comprising a tongue cleaning surface supported for tongue cleaning by running the surface across the tongue, a reservoir for a tongue cleaning fluid, means to dispense the fluid either onto the tongue cleaning surface, or directly onto the user&#39;s tongue, with a cover part, the tongue cleaning surface and cover part being relatively moveable between a position in which the tongue cleaning surface is exposed for use and a position in which the tongue cleaning surface is covered by the cover part.

This application is a §371 national phase entry of InternationalApplication No. PCT/EP06/03868, filed Apr. 25, 2005.

This invention relates to devices for tongue cleaning.

Cleaning of the tongue is considered desirable for the purpose ofremoving deposits from the tongue which might harbour bacteria and couldconsequently lead to bad breath or other oral health problems.

Devices for cleaning the tongue are known, generally comprising asurface to be moved across and in contact with the user's tongue,bearing projections, e.g. hemispherical or conical projections, orelongate ridges. Generally such a device is used for tongue cleaning byrunning the surface reciprocally across the tongue. For example in thecase of projections which are ridges, the ridges may be movedreciprocally in a direction transverse to the elongate direction of theridges. The device may be made of various materials provided these aresafe for use in the oral cavity, such as plastics material e.g.polypropylene, or elastomeric projections. Various devices for cleaningthe tongue are known in the art. For example U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,445discloses a device which has a head which can be made of a semi-stiffmaterial such as a rubbery material, with protuberances on its surfacefor tongue cleaning, and with openings in this surface via which atongue cleaning fluid may be ejected through holes in the surface. Thedevice of U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,445 includes a reservoir for the fluidfrom which the fluid may be pumped via a conduit toward the openings.Tongue cleaning devices with a facility for dispensing tongue cleaningfluid onto the tongue are also disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,558,WO-A-00/01311, WO-A-01/41659, U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,654 and U.S. Pat. No.6,089,865. The devices disclosed therein are generally elongatetoothbrush-like devices and it is an object of this invention to providea more convenient construction of device.

According to a first aspect of this invention a device for tonguecleaning is provided comprising;

a tongue cleaning surface which is supported for tongue cleaning byrunning the surface across and in contact with the tongue in a tonguecleaning direction,

a reservoir for a tongue cleaning fluid,

means to dispense said fluid either (a) onto the tongue cleaningsurface, or (b) directly onto the user's tongue,

a cover part,

and wherein the tongue cleaning surface and cover part are relativelymoveable between a first position in which the tongue cleaning surfaceis exposed for use and a second position in which the tongue cleaningsurface is covered by the cover part.

By means of the device the fluid may be dispensed onto the tonguecleaning surface, either directly or indirectly via the user's tongue.

Suitably the tongue cleaning surface is a surface of an elastomeric,i.e. rubbery, member having said tongue cleaning surface. Preferablythere are projections, e.g. integral projections, from the tonguecleaning surface to facilitate tongue cleaning e.g. by increasing theabrasive effect between the tongue cleaning surface and the tongue. Theprojections may for example be conical, hemispherical, or in the form ofridges across the whole or part of the tongue cleaning surface.

Suitably the tongue cleaning surface may comprise at least one ridgewith its ridge length direction arranged transverse to the tonguecleaning direction, its ridge thickness in the tongue cleaningdirection, and its ridge height perpendicular to the tongue cleaningdirection.

The tongue cleaning surface may comprise a member defining a concavityhaving a bottom surface and bounded by an upper rim and having a depthdirection perpendicular to the tongue cleaning direction, and supportedwithin the concavity at least one ridge having a ridge length directiontransverse to the tongue cleaning direction, wherein the at least oneridge has a profile in the ridge length direction which rises away fromthe bottom surface in a convex curved shape.

The tongue cleaning surface has an end in the tongue cleaning directionwhich in use in tongue cleaning first enters the user's mouth, termedherein the “forwards”, and an opposite end termed herein the “rear end”.The rear end toward front end direction is herein termed “forwards”, andthe opposite direction is termed herein “backwards”. The movement of thetongue cleaning surface in the direction into the user's mouth is termedherein the “in stroke”, and the movement of the tongue cleaning surfacein the direction out of the user's mouth is termed herein the “outstroke”

Suitably the concavity is of an oval shape in plan as seen lookingdownwards towards the bottom surface with its major axis aligned withthe tongue cleaning direction, so that the concavity is a partialellipsoid in shape.

Suitably such an at least one ridge has a profile which rises to acurved convex peak with its highest point adjacent the transverse midpoint of the concavity. Suitably such that at least one ridge has aprofile which comprises a curved convex peak with a curved concave dipon either lateral side of the peak. Suitably the height to which thecurved convex shape of the profile of the ridge rises above the bottomsurface of the concavity is less than the depth of the concavity in thevicinity of the ridge. This has the consequence that the edge of theridge remote from the bottom surface lies below the rim of theconcavity. It is found that the tongue cleaning surface of this secondaspect of the invention, comprised of such ridges facilitates bettercontact of the ridges to the surface of the user's tongue, particularlyto the central ridge of the user's tongue.

In its ridge length direction the at least one ridge may in shape be astraight line, or may be gently curved, for example in an arc which isconvex in the direction in which the member is to be inserted into theuser's mouth.

There may be plural ridges, and if present these are preferably arrangedsequentially in the tongue cleaning direction. The edges of pluralridges may all lie in a straight line as sectioned along the tonguecleaning direction, but preferably such edges lie in a convex or concavecurve such that in use the ends in such convex or concave curve contactthe user's tongue. The edges of plural ridges may lie in a line which assectioned along the tongue cleaning direction from the forward endtoward the rear end descends in the height direction of the ridges.

When there are plural ridges arranged sequentially in the tonguecleaning direction then the ridges may all have the same flexibilitycharacteristics under the forces experienced during tongue cleaning.Alternatively, and preferably, less flexible ridges may be concentratednearer to or adjacent the forward end e.g. to facilitate outward drag ofsurface coatings on the tongue toward the front of the tongue during theout stroke, and more flexible ridges may be concentrated nearer to oradjacent the rear end e.g. to massage the tongue. For example lessflexible ridges may have a greater thickness in the tongue cleaningdirection than more flexible ridges, or less flexible ridges may have alesser height:maximum thickness ratio relative to the more flexibleridges.

A ridge may have a cross section when cut along the tongue cleaningdirection which is symmetrical. Preferably a ridge has an asymmetricalsection as cut along this direction, in that the end radius of the ridgeadjacent to the direction in the tongue cleaning direction in which theridge is to be inserted into the user's mouth is greater than the endradius of the ridge adjacent to the direction in the tongue cleaningdirection in which the ridge is to be removed from the user's mouth.Such a section can help the ridge to glide more comfortably along thetongue on insertion into the user's mouth, with at the same timeeffective scraping of deposits from the user's tongue toward the openmouth during the removal action.

One or more ridge may be combined in the tongue cleaning surface withother types of tongue cleaning means, such as part—e.g. hemi-sphericalor ovoid domed or conical integral projections from the tongue cleaningsurface.

Suitably the one or more ridge is made of an elastomeric material, andis integrally made with an elastomeric member, for example such a membermay comprise part of the bottom surface of the concavity.

The elastomeric member may for example be supported by a backing, e.g.of a rigid plastic material, and/or by a frame e.g. of plastic material,wholly or partly surrounding the member and e.g. supporting the memberat its perimeter.

One form of such a backing, particularly suitable for the second aspectof the invention, may comprise a part in the form of a shell, e.g. madeof a plastics material, defining the bottom surface of a cavity, withone or more support extending upward into the cavity, the one or moresupport supporting the elastomeric member. For example such support maycomprise one or more rib. Suitably there are plural supports e.g. pluralribs. For example plural ribs may be made integrally with such aplastics material shell and may extend in a rib length direction acrossthe longitudinal direction, and the elastomeric member may be supportedon the tongue cleaning surface defined by the upper edges of such pluralribs. Such an arrangement provides a light but robust construction andcan minimise the quantity of plastics material required for the deviceof the invention.

Certain features of the tongue-cleaning surface of the device of thisinvention appear to be novel and inventive, and beneficial for tonguecleaning devices generally.

Consequently in a second aspect, this invention provides a device fortongue cleaning comprising a tongue cleaning surface which is supportedfor tongue cleaning by running the surface across and in contact withthe tongue in a tongue cleaning direction, wherein the tongue cleaningsurface comprises a member defining a concavity having a bottom surfaceand bounded by an upper rim and having a depth direction perpendicularto the tongue cleaning direction, and supported within the concavity atleast one ridge having a ridge length direction transverse to the tonguecleaning direction, wherein the at least one ridge has a profile in theridge length direction which rises away from the bottom surface in aconvex curved shape.

Preferred features of such a concavity, e.g. its shape, of a ridge e.g.its materials, profile, cross section, and shape, arrangement of pluralridges, support etc. may be as described above with respect to the firstaspect of this invention.

The means to dispense the fluid onto respectively the tongue cleaningsurface or the user's tongue may include pump means to pump the fluidfrom the reservoir to a dispensing orifice from which the fluid may bedispensed. There may be a conduit providing communication between thepump means and the orifice.

Known types of pump means may be used. Suitable small pumps arecommercially available, e.g. based on those used for perfume samplespray bottles, typically being cylindrical with a diameter ca. 13 mm,and e.g. from the company Rexam. For example the reservoir may beflexible and compressible so that it may be compressed by the user'shand pressure to thereby pump fluid out of the reservoir. For examplethe reservoir may be pressurised by a compressed gas to drive fluidcontent out of the reservoir. For example there may be a pump betweenthe reservoir and a dispensing orifice. There may be a one-way valvebetween the reservoir and the orifice(s) biased to allow fluid flow fromthe reservoir toward the orifice(s). The reservoir may be replaceable.The tongue cleaning fluid may be a tongue cleaning fluid gel.

Typically the device may dispense ca. 0.75 ml of fluid at a time, andthe reservoir may have a capacity ca. 22.5 ml, e.g. one months supply ifused once a day.

In option (a) the means to dispense a fluid onto the said tonguecleaning surface may comprise one or more orifice in the tongue cleaningsurface, for example passing completely through the tongue cleaningsurface, e.g. a tongue cleaning surface in the form of a diaphragm. Forexample in option (a) the fluid may be dispensed onto the tonguecleaning surface before the tongue cleaning surface is applied to thetongue, or whilst the tongue cleaning surface is applied to the tongue.

In option (b) the means to dispense a fluid onto the user's tongue maycomprise a dispensing orifice, e.g. a nozzle such as a spray nozzle onthe device, positioned so that fluid may be dispensed therefrom onto theuser's tongue, before the tongue cleaning surface is applied to theuser's tongue.

The tongue cleaning surface, and preferably the support if present, ismoveable between a first position in which the tongue cleaning surfaceis exposed for use and a second position in which the tongue cleaningsurface is covered by the cover part. This may be achieved in variousways. In one construction the device is constructed in two parts being afirst part comprising the tongue cleaning surface, and a second partcomprising the cover part, and the first and second parts may berelatively moveable so that in the second position the cover part coversthe tongue cleaning surface. The cover part may comprise an area of sucha second part which in the second position is adjacent to the tonguecleaning surface. For example the tongue cleaning surface and the coverpart may both comprise surfaces which in the second position are in afacing relationship with each other and in close proximity.

Such a second part may incorporate a reservoir of the tongue cleaningfluid.

For example such first and second parts may be relatively slideablymovable relative to each other so that in the second position the secondpart covers the tongue cleaning surface. For example the first andsecond parts may have co-operating guide means to retain the first andsecond parts together and to guide them in this sliding movement.

In a preferred construction the first and second parts may be pivotallymovable relative to each other so that in the second position the coverpart covers the tongue cleaning surface. For example the first andsecond parts may be connected by a pivotal connector that allows suchpivoting movement. Suitably the first and second parts may havecorresponding oval shapes, particularly if the tongue cleaning surfacecomprises the oval concavity of the second aspect of the invention, andthe pivotal connector may be located near to one of the ends of the longaxis of the oval shape. The second part may comprise a cover part whichwhen the first part is in the second position covers the tongue cleaningsurface, and the pivotal connector may be positioned relative to thefirst and second parts that in the second position the cover part coversthe tongue cleaning surface. In a preferred construction the relativepivoting motion may be in a plane substantially parallel to the tonguecleaning surface, i.e. about a pivot axis perpendicular to this plane.In another construction in which the first and second parts arerelatively pivotally moveable the first and second parts may bepivotally hinged in a so called “clamshell” configuration, now familiarwith e.g. mobile telephones. In such a configuration the first partincluding the tongue cleaning surface and the second part are hingedadjacent their respective perimeters, and the second part is able toswing through an obtuse angle, e.g. ca. 180° in a swing planeperpendicular to the plane of the tongue cleaning surface, about a pivotaxis parallel to the plane of the tongue cleaning surface. By “plane ofthe tongue cleaning surface” is not implied that this surface is planar,but that it can be generally represented by a “best fit” constructedplane.

For example the first and second parts may be relatively moveable to theextent that they are completely separable from each other to therebyexpose the tongue cleaning surface. For example the two parts may bereleasably connected together by means of a snap-fit or friction fitconnections, of a conventional type, or some convenient latch.

In one embodiment suitable for option (a), to dispense the fluid ontothe tongue cleaning surface the above-mentioned conduit may pass througha connector between such first and second parts, for example through apivotal connector between the first and second parts, and such a conduitmay communicate with a conduit located on the opposite side of thetongue cleaning surface to convey the fluid from the conduit toward oneor more dispensing orifice in the tongue cleaning surface.

In one embodiment suitable for option (b), to dispense the fluid ontothe tongue cleaning surface the second part may incorporate a reservoirfor the fluid, a means to dispense the fluid from the reservoir, and anorifice in the second part from which the fluid may be dispensed ontothe user's tongue.

In another embodiment suitable for option (b), to dispense the fluidonto the tongue cleaning surface the second part may incorporate areservoir for the fluid, a means to dispense the fluid from thereservoir, a conduit to convey the fluid to the first part, and anorifice in the first part from which the fluid may be dispensed onto theuser's tongue. Such a conduit may pass through a connector between thefirst and second parts, for example through a pivotal connector betweenthe first and second parts, and such a conduit may communicate with afurther conduit located on the opposite side of the tongue cleaningsurface to convey the fluid toward the orifice in the first part.

Further features of the device may be provided to enhance theeffectiveness of the device, especially the hygiene of the device.

For example the device may be provided with means to facilitate theaccess of air to the tongue cleaning surface when the cover part is inits second position covering the tongue cleaning surface. Access of aircan help to prevent bacterial growth and can oxidise contaminants on thetongue cleaning surface. For example the device may have one or moreaperture therein providing communication of air between the outside ofthe device and the tongue cleaning surface. In a two-part device asdescribed above such one or more aperture may be in the second part.

For example the device may be of a shape or construction whichfacilitates the device being placed in a rest position in which thetongue cleaning surface is aligned with a vertical component, e.g. at anangle of 45° or more to the horizontal so that residual liquid on thetongue cleaning surface will tend to run off. For example the device maybe shaped with a base upon which it may be stood such that the tonguecleaning surface is aligned in such an orientation. For example such abase may be provided by the profile of the outer surface of theabove-mentioned first or second part of the device. For example such abase may be provided by the outer surface of a reservoir incorporatedinto the device and projecting beyond the envelope of the device. Forexample the device may be provided with a support which may support itwith the tongue cleaning surface in such an alignment, for example anextendible or hinged support which may be extended or hinged out fromthe outer surface of the device to thereby provide a leg for the deviceto lean upon. For example the device may be provided together with acradle in which it may rest and which supports the device with thetongue cleaning surface in such an alignment.

In use the device may be moved into its first position so the tonguecleaning surface is exposed for use, the fluid may be applied to thetongue cleaning surface, and the tongue cleaning surface may be used toclean the tongue, e.g. removing tongue deposits, by for example areciprocal movement of the tongue cleaning surface across the tongue inthe tongue cleaning direction. The device may then be cleaned after use,e.g. by rinsing it in water or a cleansing liquid. Preferably after useand such cleaning the device is placed in a rest position in which thetongue cleaning surface is aligned with a vertical component, e.g. at anangle of 45° or more so that residual liquid on the tongue cleaningsurface will tend to run off, for example by the means described above.

Suitable tongue-cleaning fluids include known commercially availablemouthwash formulations, which may be alcohol-free or contain alcohol,and may contain an antibacterially active material such as hydrogenperoxide (in an amount complying with local regulations, e.g. in the EUca. 0.1%) or cetylpyridinium chloride (typically 0.07%), and may beflavoured e.g. mint. Suitable such formulations are commerciallyavailable e.g. as OASIS™ sold under the Sensodyne™ brand byGlaxoSmithKline, PRO-HEALTH™ sold under the Crest™ brand by Procter &Gamble, and FLUORIGUARD™ sold by Colgate-Palmolive.

The invention will now be illustrated by way of example only withreference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of a device of the invention in its firstposition.

FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of a device of the invention in its secondposition.

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a device of the invention in its firstposition.

FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of a device of the invention in its firstposition, with the reservoir removed.

FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of another device of the invention in itsfirst position.

FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of the device of FIG. 5 in its secondposition.

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of the device of FIG. 5 in its first position.

FIG. 8 shows a plan view of another tongue cleaning surface.

FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of the tongue cleaning surface of FIG. 8cut in the longitudinal direction.

FIG. 10 shows a sectional view of the tongue cleaning surface of FIG. 8cut across the longitudinal direction.

FIG. 11 shows a plan view of another tongue cleaning surface.

FIG. 12 shows a sectional view of the tongue cleaning surface of FIG. 11cut in the longitudinal direction.

FIG. 13 shows a plan view of another tongue cleaning surface.

FIG. 14 shows a plan view of another tongue cleaning surface.

FIG. 15 shows a sectional view of the tongue cleaning surface of FIG. 14cut in the longitudinal direction.

FIG. 16 shows detail of construction of a device of this invention.

FIG. 17 shows a device of this invention with openings to provide accessof air to the tongue cleaning surface.

FIG. 18 shows means by which a device of this invention may be placed ina rest position with the tongue cleaning surface inclined.

FIG. 19 shows views of another device of this invention.

FIG. 20 shows views of another device of this invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 a device for tongue cleaning according tooption (a) is shown overall 1. This device 1 comprises a first part 2and a second part 3 pivotally connected at 4. The first part 2 is madeof plastics material and is generally in the form of a hemi-ellipsoidalshell.

Mounted across the elliptical opening of the first part 2 is anelastomeric member 5 in the form of a thin layer of elastomeric materialwhich has a tongue cleaning surface 6 and which is supported by means ofa rigid plastics material (e.g. polypropylene) backing member 7. Thereare plural integral hemispherical projections 8 from the tongue cleaningsurface 6. Apart from the projections the tongue cleaning surface 6 isgenerally flat. The support 7 snap-fits into a suitable snap-fitconnection at the shell rim of first part 2. There is an orifice 9 intongue cleaning surface 6 passing completely through the member 5 andthe backing member 7, and communicating with a conduit 10 within firstpart 2. Conduit 10 is in communication with a further conduit 11 passingthrough the pivotal connection 4 and providing communication betweenfirst part 2 and second part 3.

The second part 3 is also generally in the form of a plastics materialshell. Part 3 houses a complementary fitting reservoir 12 for a tonguecleaning fluid. Reservoir 12 has an outlet nozzle 13 for the fluid itcontains and which connects with a connector 14 in part 3.

Second part 3 also incorporates a mechanical pump means 15 which canpump fluid from the reservoir 12 when this is connected to part 3through conduits 11 and 10 to orifice 9. Pump 15 is of known type suchas a piston pump, and is operable by a user's hand pressure deforming aflexible diaphragm 16 in part of the shell of part 3 toward and intocontact with pump 15. There may be a one-way valve (not shown) betweenreservoir 12 and the orifice 9 biased to allow fluid flow from reservoir12 toward orifice 9.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, a device 20 according to option (b) ofthe invention is shown. It is seen that the overall shape and layout ofthe device 20 is similar to that of the device of FIGS. 1 to 4. Thedevice 20 comprises a first part 21 and a second part 22, pivotallyconnected at 23. The parts 21 and 22 are again both in the form ofsemi-ellipsoidal shells. Mounted across the elliptical opening of theshell of part 21 is an elastomeric member 24 in the form of a thin layerof elastomeric material which has a tongue cleaning surface 25 which issupported by means of a rigid plastics material backing member 26. Thesurface 25 of the elastomeric member 24 is ribbed 27.

Second part 22 houses a complementary fitting reservoir 28 for a tonguecleaning fluid. Reservoir 28 has an outlet nozzle 29 for the fluid itcontains and which connects with a connector 210 in part 22. Second part22 also includes a pump means 211 which can pump fluid from reservoir 28to an orifice 212 being an outlet spray nozzle. Pump 211 is also ofknown type and is operable by a user's hand pressure deforming aflexible diaphragm 213 in part of the shell of part 22 toward and intocontact with pump 211. There may be a one way valve between reservoir 28and orifice 212 biased to allow fluid to flow from reservoir 28 towardorifice 212.

In FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7 the device 1 is shown in its first positionin which the tongue cleaning surface 6 is exposed for use.

In FIGS. 2 and 6 the device 1 is shown in its first position in whichthe tongue cleaning surface 6 is covered. This is achieved by thepivotal movement relative to each other of the first and second parts 2,3, 21, 22 about the pivotal connection 4, 23. It is seen that the firstand second parts 2, 3, 21, 22 are of semi-ellipsoidal shape with asimilar elliptical plan shape as seen in FIGS. 3 and 7. The pivotalconnection 4, 23 is located on the long axis of the elliptical shapeclose to the perimeter of the elliptical shape so that in the firstposition the tongue cleaning surface 6, 25 is swung out from under thesecond part 3, 22 and in the second position the tongue cleaning surface6 is swung back under the second part 3, about a pivot axis extendingperpendicular to the plane of these elliptical shapes. Second part 3, 22has a cover part 17, 214 being a surface of reservoir 12, 28 which whenthe first part 2 is in the second position covers the tongue cleaningsurface 6.

In use the device 1 of FIGS. 1-4 is normally kept in its second positionas seen in FIG. 2 so that tongue cleaning surface 6 is covered by coverpart 17 and consequently protected from contamination, damage or leakageof fluid through the orifice 9. For use the device is moved into itsfirst position as seen in FIGS. 1 and 3 so the tongue cleaning surface 6is exposed for use. The pump 15 is operated to apply a suitable volumeof fluid to the tongue cleaning surface. For example one stroke of thepump 15 may dispense ca. 0.75 ml of fluid through orifice 9. The tonguecleaning surface 5 may then be moved reciprocally across the user'stongue to clean the tongue, e.g. removing tongue deposits.

In use the device 20 of FIGS. 5-7 is normally kept in its secondposition as seen in FIG. 6 with the tongue cleaning surface 25 coveredby cover part 214. For use, firstly the device is positioned so that theorifice 212 is aimed at the user's tongue, and the pump 211 is operatedto spray the fluid in reservoir 28 onto the user's tongue. This may bedone with the device 20 in either the first or second positions. Thenwith the device 20 in its first position as shown in FIG. 5 or 7 thetongue cleaning surface 25 is applied to the tongue and the ribs 27moved reciprocally across the tongue surface to clean the tongue.

After the device 1, 20 has been used in this manner the tongue cleaningsurface 6, 25 may be cleaned, e.g. rinsed under a water tap, and thedevice 1, 20 returned to the second position as seen in FIG. 2 or 6.

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 show further detail of a preferred form of first part21 with a tongue cleaning surface 30 suitable for use as the tonguecleaning surface of the device shown in FIGS. 1 to 7. Feature 23indicates a female socket suitable for a male plug to snap fit into toprovide a pivot connection to a second part 22. The tongue cleaningsurface 30 has a forward end 30A and an opposite rear end 30B. The part21 comprises a shell 31 made of a plastics material, defining the upperrim 32 of a concavity 33, and is overall of an oval shape as seen inplan in FIG. 8 with its long axis A-A extending longitudinally in thetongue cleaning direction. The lower surface of concavity 33 is providedby an elastomeric member 34 located on the interior surface of the shell31. The concavity 33 has depth direction being the upward direction asseen in FIGS. 9 and 10 and the direction of the plan view FIG. 8perpendicular to the longitudinal tongue cleaning direction A-A. Theupper surface of member 34 is integrally made into plural ridges 35having a ridge length direction, viz. the vertical direction as seen inFIG. 8 transverse to the tongue cleaning direction A-A. Ridges 35 arearranged sequentially longitudinally in the tongue cleaning directionA-A. As is seen in FIG. 10 each ridge 35 has a profile in the ridgelength direction which rises away from the bottom surface of theconcavity 33, i.e. the upper surface of member 34, in a convex curvedshape which comprises a curved convex peak with a curved concave dip oneither lateral side of the peak. The height to which the curved convexshape of the profile of each ridge 35 rises above the bottom surface ofthe concavity 33 is less than the depth of the concavity in the vicinityof the ridge 35. This has the consequence that, as can be seen in FIG.10, the edge of the ridge 35 remote from the bottom surface of theconcavity 33 lies below the upper rim 32 of the concavity 33.

As seen in FIG. 8 the ridges 35 have their ridge length direction gentlycurved, in an arc which is convex in the direction in which the memberis to be inserted into the user's mouth.

As is seen in FIG. 9 the edges of plural ridges 35 all lie in a convexcurve as seen in the section in the tongue cleaning direction. As alsoseen in FIG. 9 the edges of the plural ridges 35 all lie in a line whichdescends in the height direction of the ridges 35 as sectioned along thelongitudinal tongue cleaning direction A-A from the forward end 30Atoward the rear end 30B, the width direction being designated B-B.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show a construction of the part 21 analogous to FIGS. 8and 9, in which less flexible ridges 35A are located nearer to theforward end 30A. and more flexible ridges 35B are located nearer to therear end 30B. The less flexible ridges 35A have a greater thickness inthe tongue cleaning direction than more flexible ridges 35B, and have alesser height:maximum thickness ratio relative to the more flexibleridges 35A. In FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 the ridges 35 also have a crosssection when cut along the tongue cleaning direction A-A which isasymmetrical as cut along this direction, in that the end radius of theridge 35 closer to the rear end 30A is greater than the end radius ofthe ridge adjacent to the'front end 30B.

FIG. 13 shows a construction of the part 21 analogous to FIG. 8 in whichridges 35 are arranged with their ridge length direction is a straightline perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A-A.

FIG. 14 shows a plan view of a part 21 analogous to FIG. 8 in whichridges 35 are combined with tongue cleaning means being domed or conicalintegral projections 36 from the tongue cleaning surface, i.e. from theupper surface of member 34. The projections 36 are located on thesurface 34 closer to the rear end 30B. FIG. 15 shows a longitudinalsectional view of the device of FIG. 14 corresponding to FIG. 9.

In the devices of FIGS. 11-15 the ridges 35 have a profile as cutlongitudinally. analogous to that of FIG. 10.

FIG. 16 shows detail of part of a further construction of a part 21particularly for the part 21 of FIGS. 8 to 15, and parts correspondingto FIGS. 8 to 15 are numbered correspondingly. The part 21 comprises ashell 40 made of a plastics material, defining the bottom surface of acavity 41, and from which plural ribs 42 extend upward into the cavity41. The plural ribs 42 are made integrally with the plastics materialshell 40 and, their rib length direction extends across the longitudinaldirection i.e. into the plane of the drawing. An elastomeric member 43is supported on the surface defined by the upper edges of the pluralribs 42 and has plural ridges 44 analogous to the ridges 35, integrallyformed on its upper surface.

Referring to FIG. 17 a device of the invention 50 is shown schematicallycomprising a first part 51 and a second part 52, pivotally connected at53, analogous to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 above. Part 51 incorporates a tonguecleaning surface 54 analogous to that of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, and part 52incorporates a surface 55 which covers the tongue cleaning surface 54when the device 50 is in its second position as shown in FIG. 17. Thesecond part 52 incorporates plural apertures 56 therein providingcommunication of air between the outside of the device 50 and the tonguecleaning surface 54.

Referring to FIG. 18 various means are shown whereby a device 60 oftwo-part construction analogous to FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 17 may be placed ina rest position in which the tongue cleaning surface is aligned with avertical component so that residual liquid on the tongue cleaningsurface will tend to run off FIG. 18A shows a device 60 with a secondpart 61 shaped with a flat base 62 upon which the device may be stoodsuch that the tongue cleaning surface 63 is aligned inclined at an anglegreater that 45° to the horizontal. FIG. 18B shows a device 60 where abase 64 is provided by the profile of the outer surface of a reservoir65 incorporated into the device 60 and projecting beyond the envelope ofthe device, and on which the device 60 may stand with its tonguecleaning surface 66 aligned vertically. FIG. 18C shows a device providedwith a support 67 hinged to the second part at 68, which may hingeoutwardly as shown to support the device 60, in the manner of a supportleg, with its tongue cleaning surface 69 in such an alignment. Thesupport 67 may hinge back flush against the outer surface of the device60 and lock into such a flush position with for example a snap-fitinterlock with the device 60. FIG. 18D shows a device 60 of two partconstruction analogous to FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 17, provided together with acradle 610 in which it may rest and which supports the device 60 withits tongue cleaning surface 611 in such an alignment. The devices 60shown in FIG. 18 are preferably provided with drain holes (not shown) toallow excess fluid to drain out, additionally or alternatively thejunction between the first and second parts may be sufficientlynon-watertight that fluid drains out via this junction.

Referring to FIG. 19 a construction of device 70 is shown in which thefirst 71 and second 72 parts are relatively pivotally moveable in a“clamshell” configuration. The first part 71 including the tonguecleaning surface 73 and the second part are hinged by hinge 74 adjacenttheir respective perimeters. As seen in FIG. 19B the second part 72 isable to swing through ca. 180° in a swing plane perpendicular to theplane of the tongue cleaning surface 73, about a pivot axis A-A seen inFIG. 19C generally parallel to the plane of the tongue cleaning surface73. The device 70 has a pump operating button 75, from which tonguecleaning fluid may be dispensed from orifice 76.

Referring to FIG. 20 a device 80 is shown in which the first 81 andsecond 82 parts are completely separable from each other to therebyexpose the tongue cleaning surface 83. Parts 81, 82 are releasablyconnected together by means of the small snap-fit connections 84arranged about their respective perimeters. FIG. 20A shows the parts 81,82 in their connected together configuration, and FIG. 20B shows themseparated for use. The device 80 has a pump operating button 85, fromwhich tongue cleaning fluid may be dispensed from orifice 86.

1. A device configured for tongue cleaning comprising; a tongue cleaningsurface comprising a surface of an elastomeric member which is supportedfor tongue cleaning by running the surface across and in contact withthe tongue in a tongue cleaning direction, a reservoir for a tonguecleaning fluid, means to dispense said fluid either (a) onto the tonguecleaning surface, or (b) directly onto the user's tongue, a cover part,wherein the tongue cleaning surface and cover part are relativelymoveable between a first position in which the tongue cleaning surfaceis exposed for use and a second position in which the tongue cleaningsurface is covered by the cover part wherein the tongue cleaning surfacecomprises a member defining a concavity having a bottom surface andbounded by an upper rim and having a depth direction perpendicular tothe tongue cleaning direction, and supported within the concavity atleast one ridge adapted to contact the surface of the user's tongue, theat least one ridge having a ridge length direction transverse to thetongue cleaning direction, a ridge thickness in the tongue cleaningdirection, and a ridge height perpendicular to the tongue cleaningdirection, wherein the at least one ridge has a profile in the ridgelength direction which rises away from the bottom surface in a convexcurved shape with its highest point adjacent the transverse mid point ofthe concavity and with a curved concave dip on either lateral side ofthe highest point, and wherein the height to which the curved convexshape of the profile of the ridge rises above the bottom surface of theconcavity is less than the depth of the concavity between the upper rimand the bottom surface in the vicinity of the ridge, the device beingconstructed in two parts being a first part comprising the tonguecleaning surface, and a second part comprising the cover part, and thefirst and second parts are relatively moveable so that in the secondposition the cover part covers the tongue cleaning surface, the tonguecleaning surface and the cover part both comprise surfaces which in thesecond position are in a facing relationship with each other and inclose proximity, the first and second parts being pivotally movablerelative to each other so that in the second position the cover partcovers the tongue cleaning surface by means of a pivotal connector thatallows such pivoting movement, the second part incorporating a reservoirof the tongue cleaning fluid, with a pump means to pump the fluid fromthe reservoir to a dispensing orifice from which the fluid may bedispensed, and a conduit to convey fluid from said reservoir in saidsecond part to said tongue cleaning surface passing through said pivotalconnector.
 2. A device according to claim 1 characterised in that in itsridge length direction the at least one ridge is a straight line, or iscurved in an arc which is convex in the direction in which the member isto be inserted into the user's mouth.
 3. A device according to claim 1characterised by plural ridges arranged sequentially in the tonguecleaning direction.
 4. A device according to claim 3 characterised inthat the edges of plural ridges lie in a convex or concave curve assectioned in the tongue cleaning direction such that in use the ends insuch convex or convex curve contact the user's tongue.
 5. A deviceaccording to claim 3 characterised in that the edges of plural ridgeslie in a line which as sectioned along the tongue cleaning directionfrom the forward end toward the rear end descends in the heightdirection of the ridges.
 6. A device according to claim 3 characterisedby plural ridges arranged sequentially in the tongue cleaning directionin which less flexible ridges are concentrated nearer to or adjacent theforward end of the tongue cleaning surface, and more flexible ridges areconcentrated nearer to or adjacent the rear end.
 7. A device accordingto claim 1 characterised in that a ridge has a cross section when cutalong the tongue cleaning direction which is an asymmetrical section inthat the end radius of the ridge adjacent to the direction in the tonguecleaning direction in which the ridge is to be inserted into the user'smouth is greater than the end radius of the ridge adjacent to thedirection in the tongue cleaning direction in which the ridge is to beremoved from the user's mouth.
 8. A device according to claim 1characterised in that one or more ridge is combined in the tonguecleaning surface with domed or conical integral projections from thetongue cleaning surface.
 9. A device according to claim 1 characterisedby an elastomeric member supported by a backing which comprises a partin the form of a shell defining the bottom surface of a cavity, with oneor more support extending upward into the cavity, the one or moresupport supporting the elastomeric member.
 10. A device according toclaim 1 characterised in that the means to dispense a fluid onto thetongue cleaning surface comprises one or more orifice in the tonguecleaning surface.
 11. A device according to claim 1 characterised by oneor more aperture therein providing communication of air between theoutside of the device and the tongue cleaning surface when the coverpart is in its second position.
 12. A device according to claim 1characterised by a base upon which it may be stood such that the tonguecleaning surface is aligned at an angle of 45° or more to the horizontalso that residual liquid on the tongue cleaning surface will tend to runoff.
 13. A device according to claim 1 characterised by a support whichmay support the device with the tongue cleaning surface aligned at anangle of 45° or more so that residual liquid on the tongue cleaningsurface will tend to run off.
 14. A device according to claim 1characterised by being provided together with a cradle in which it mayrest and which supports the device with the tongue cleaning surfacealigned at an angle of 45° or more so that residual liquid on the tonguecleaning surface will tend to run off.